why do babies rub their eyes when tired?

[ilovepicnmix]

My 7 mo has always been a pretty crap sleeper but he's got even worse in the last few weeks. His new 'thing' is rubbing his eyes just as he's nodding off and therefore waking himself up! Ive spent a lot of time pinning his arms down recently. I'll think he's off, let them go, and the rubbing commence again. Any ideas! I swaddled him last night but he's a bit of a bruiser and managed to get one arm free. Thanks.

I don't know if this will help or confuse things more but I remember from a TV thing donkey's years ago that eye rubbing has some calming effect on the heart and actually helps you settle to sleep.

Something like this

Thanks! Interesting. Maybe I should just let him get on with it but it just seems to disturb him.

My daughter is 7 months tomorrow and she does this all the time. Even worse though, she rubs and scratches her ears. Her face and ears are covered in little scratches because of this. She will also pull her hair. I think it calms her down sometimes, but other times I think it wakes her up. I have no words of wisdom, just letting you know you aren't alone :).

Thanks samralee. Ive tried swaddling these last few nights and I think it's helped a bit although he eventually gets himself free.

My 6mo DD does this all the time. As soon as she does it I take it as a cue that she needs her nap. Even if she continues to rub her eyes as I put her down she will stop & drift off to sleep.

My dd scratches at her forehead when very tired. I put her down for naps before she gets to the scratching stage so she is in a deep sleep and doesnt do it.

Could you try putting him down sooner?

It's in the night that he does it and seems to wake himself up. However, last night he slept through although I won't hold my breath for tonight.